The Civil War Soldiers Monument, on the southwest corner of the Stephenson County Courthouse, is inscribed with the names of those soldiers from Stephenson County who lost their lives in the Civil War. On the southeast corner is the Stephenson County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, which is a bronze statue of a full-sized M-16 with a bayonet stuck in the ground and a helmet on top.

Explore five permanent galleries: European (19th century paintings, sculpture), Art of the Near and Far East (Egyptian, Chinese, and Southeast Asia), Native American (pots, baskets and Kachina dolls), African and Oceanic Art (masks, ceremonial pieces and textiles), and Contemporary (prints and paintings). Two galleries feature new exhibitions every 8-12 weeks and are devoted to regional art or national exhibitions. A student gallery features aspiring young artists from local schools. The museum also offers educational programs, performances, and special events. Open: Tuesday thru Friday: 10 am - 5 pm; Saturday: Noon - 5 pm. Free admission, but donations are appreciated.

All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and visit the Silvercreek Museum across the street. Open: May thru October on selected holiday and weekends; 1 am - 4 pm. Train departs on the hour.

This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center. Open: May thru October: Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm; or by appointment.

Stockton Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history. Discover exhibits on the Chicago Great Western Railroad, model trains, history of Kraft Foods, and Stockton-area history exhibits.

Edwards West is a popular destination for families to enjoy the sights, tastes, and activities of an apple orchard and farm market. For a fun family outing, enjoy the experience of picking your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Visit the play area featuring the wooden bus and train, the corn cribs, the wagon slide and our animals in the "Petting Farm." Stroll through the over 100 year old dairy barn with displays of bright colored apples, freshly squeezed cider, fresh apple cider donuts, and wonderful gift items that are on display.

This natural history museum displays prairies, woodlands, wetlands and other interesting exhibits illustrating life as it existed hundreds of years ago in Northern Illinois. Be sure to make a stop at the museum gift shop.

Discover the history of Winslow. Featuring displays relating to discovery of cream cheese, which had its beginnings in Winslow and later made famous as Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Also see the history of Doc Carver's Wild West Show. Each open date will also feature a brat stand and a farmers market. Open: April thru October: Second Saturday of each month: 10 am 3 pm.

The Richland Creek Trailhead serves as the main trailhead for the northern end of the Jane Addmas Recreation Trail. It features parking, a large shelter house with electricity, lights and picnic tables, a restroom, water and a primitive campground area.

Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.

This 11,000-sq.-ft. skateboard park features obstacles, ramps, rails, ledges, spines and bowls. Built specifically for skateboards and in-line skates, this facility is popular with both skaters and spectators.

Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.

Join the Freeport Park District and the Freeport Art Museum as they welcome back the 8th annual, award winning, Art in the Park. Come out to Krape Park and enjoy the sights and sounds at this free community event. Cruise the walks and view the fine art on display by local and regional artists. Purchase a wonderful new piece of artwork to take home with you. Listen as local performing artists take the stage throughout the day. Partake in creative hands-on activities with the kids. Don't miss out on this enjoyable event. For information on presenting as a artist, please call the Freeport Park District. Visit www.artintheparkfreeport.com for more information. Food will be available. 10 am - 5 pm.

Jane Addams, born and raised in Cedarville, was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. She is buried in this lovely old hillside cemetery.

Step back in time to a gentler age when hospitality was an art form and life was unhurried. Relax in the elegant parlor, while away an hour on the front porch or explore many of the area's attractions and state parks. Located in a restored 1840's inn, guest rooms feature restored and functional antiques along with individual room telephones and cable TV. The lower level is a great place to hold meetings or celebrate special events.

The Standish House B&B is owned and operated by a direct descendent of Miles Standish and is filled with antiques and collections of Early American history. You’ll enjoy canopy beds, sumptuous breakfasts and more. We’re only minutes from Lake Carroll and are located on a quiet residential street in the quaint community of Lanark.

McArthurs specializes in reclaimed garden treasures and also has a wide variety of antiques, and collectibles on two floors. This wonderful shop is a must for lovers of garden antiques. Open: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday thru Saturday: 10 am - 4:30 pm.

Peace and quite in the coutryside with an abundance of fresh air will make your stay. Enjoy bicycling, canoeing, antiquing or reading on the porch swing. In winter warm yourself in front of the fireplace when you return from skiing.

This is a fun, friendly and family oriented bar and grill located in a scenic area. Daily specials, sandwiches and fish on Fridays. Tenderloin sandwiches are a highlight. Carryouts, alcohol, entertainment.

The Dakota Nature Trail for biking, hiking, and cross-county skiing links Dakota Park with the Dorothy Wirth Nature Area. The trail surface is crushed limestone and follows a former railroad right-of-way. The trail begins on Main Street in Dakota.

The Lena Historical Museum tells the history of Lena and the surrounding area, with galleries focusing on various historical topics. Highlights include a Civil War regimental flag and an extensive clothing collection. Also on the grounds are a summer kitchen, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, an Illinois Central Railroad caboose, a general store, a recreated chapel, and a barn filled with antique vehicles and farm tools. Open: Saturday: 1 pm - 4 pm; or by appointment.

We have two guest rooms available now, along with two furnished apartments for extended stays. Our guest rooms do not have private baths -- they share a newly remodeled toilet and shower. The Hotel Glenview was built in 1886 and remained a working hotel until the mid 70's when it fell into disrepair but it is in the process of being refurbished. We are within walking distance for great shopping, dining and night caps. We are only 10 miles from the Great River Trail, and we do offer bicycles sag support. Upon consideration, pets are welcomed. We are strictly non-smoking.

This museum, operated by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, which also operates the Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad, offers 20 rooms of early Americana. Exhibts include 500 pieces of crockery, dolls, a recreated schoolroom and kitchen, art exhibits, quilts, tools and agricultural equipment, and many other historical exhibits. Also on the grounds is a display of antique machinery and an exhibit of Henny Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport. Plus visitors can view the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130-ton steam engine with a 25 foot flywheel which originally operated a rolling mill in a zinc plant. Special exhibits and events are featured throughout the year. Open: May thru October on selected holidays and weekends: 11 am - 4 pm.

Items on display in this local town museum include a mill stone, ox yoke, McConnell telephone switchboard, and other items relating to the history of McConnell and Waddams Township. There is a large collection of family histories, obituaries, and genealogical materials. Special activities and exhibits are planned for each of the open dates.

This park provides a quiet scenic area ideal for family reunions and group gatherings. A large and a small shelter house, softball diamond, volleyball and basketball courts, playground, and wooded area are offered. A concession stand is open during softball season.

Enjoy the natural wonders of the Pecatonica River, Stephenson County's water trail, as is meanders nearly 60 miles through undisturbed Midwestern beauty. Access the river at McNeil's Damascus Landing which offers ample parking, a picnic area, fire pit and charcoal grills, portable toilet, 10' x 20' floating dock and canoe/kayak and concrete boat launch with access docking. Camping at the site is available for canoe, kayaks and boaters. Reservations required.

This park honors all of the veterans from Stephenson County. It contains large era stones from all conflicts. Benches surround concrete walkways, and a large brick memorial garden if featured. A Gold Star Family Memorial is dedicated to all who gave given their lives for our freedoms. Open: Daily: Dawn to Dusk.

The Van Raden Memorial Park features Lake Baalton, a three acre man-made lake stocked with bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. A small shelter and playground area are also offered. A Veterans Memorial honoring all German Valley area service men and women, past or present is at the park

The museum complex is situated on a 3-acre arboretum and includes: 1) An 1857 Italianate home built by Oscar Taylor. This home was the social center of early Freeport and may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 2) The Millerburg schoolhouse, furnished to depict rural school life circa 1920. 3) The Industry Museum which highlights the rich manufacturing heritage of Stephenson County including the Henney Company, Stover, W.T. Rawleigh and more. 4) The Arcade Toy Museum which showcases the world’s largest exhibit of Arcade cast-iron toys made in Freeport by Arcade Manufacturing as well as other toys manufactured in Freeport including Structo and Realistic. 5) An authentic 1840s log cabin homestead built by Irish immigrants. Open Wednesday thru Sunday, Noon to 4pm. Guided Tours only; last tour starts at 3pm. Group tours may be scheduled by appointment. Adults $8 Children 6 and above $4

Along the banks of the mighty Richland Creek, the first settlers founded the Village of Orangeville in 1851. Over the years, the town has always been a special place "where the women are fair, the men are strong and there's a story to be told around every corner." In the Mighty Richland Players Dessert Theater, those fair and strong will treat attendees to a great dessert and a humorous story with a smile and a wink. Performances are at the Mighty Richland Players Theater, an 1877 Italianate Victorian building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Theater season is March through September .

Located on the Rock River in Oregon, our suites have a balcony with panoramic views of the river and the famous Blackhawk statue. Restaurant next door, continental breakfast, spa, sauna, meeting and banquet facilities.

This monument honors William "Tutty" Baker, the founder of Freeport. Tutty came to this area, which was home to the Winnebago Indians, in 1835 and built a trading post along the banks of the Pecatonica River, offering travelers free ferry rides.

A quaint family owned 12 room Lodge tucked away in scenic Oregon. Uniquely renovated theme rooms give our Lodge a warm comfortable feel. With every visit you can enjoy a different environment. Do you like boating, hunting, or gardening? Let us know! At Chateau Lodge, our friendly and hospitable staff is anxious to make your stay a pleasurable one! We understand our success is measured by your satisfaction. Let us prove it!

All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House and visit the Silvercreek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana, a display of antique machinery, Henney Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport, and the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130 ton steam engine. The Silvercreek Museum will be serving sandwiches and deserts. Train: Adults: $7; Children under 12: $3; Cab Rides available inquire at the Depot Freight House. Museum: Adults: $4; Children under 12: Free.

This scenic 13-mile trail for hiking and biking through the rolling hill of northwest Illinois offers both history and nature. The trail, as it follows county and township roads, is partially paved. Attractions include early pioneer sites, one of the highest natural points in the state, and also Blackhawk war sites. Trail maps are available at the Lena Community Park District Office. For those who complete the trail, trail patches and medals are available for purchase.

This swap meet involves the buying, selling and trading of game birds, animals, pets and supplies. Vendors will also be available with local honey, garden plants, flowers, and a small flea market. Events opens at 6 am. Gate Fee: $3.00 per person over the age of 12.

The shops @glenview are located on the first floor of the Historic Hotel Glenview where you will find the dabluz boutique, Driftless Area Stillroom and more! Check out our website for a full listing of all the great things our vendors have to offer.

The Driftless Area Stillroom is now located at the SHOPS@GLENVIEW. We offer outstanding domestic and worldwide wine selection of cheeses, meats, foodstuffs and a rotating selection of house made goods, housewares and more. We focus on local, organic, and sustainable purveyors. Join us Sundays for food and drink on the veranda.

This residential district includes original Freeport and the city's first street, Monterey, and was later known as the "Gold Coast". Points of interest include Freeport's oldest house (built in 1838), the childhood home of famed Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons, a monument honoring Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, and the Van Buren Bridge, built in 1885 of wrought iron.

Sawmill and custom furniture. Pure maple products including maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream and maple sugar. Tours of the sugar bush and sugar shack are available in season (Feb-Mar) by prior appointment.

Lions Park, at over 20 acres, features Splash Land Family Aquatic Center with a 180' waterslide, zero depth entry, many shade shelters, wet sand play area, water features and drop slide. The Splash Land Mini-Golf offers one of the nicest 18 hole miniature golf courses in the Midwest. It has over 275 plant varieties, 4000+ square feet of water areas, three waterfalls and challenges that the entire family will enjoy. The course is ADA compliant. Quench your thirst and your appetite at the Splash Land Food Court. Full restaurant offering sandwiches to soft serve and smoothies to salads - a true family food court. The park also offers picnic and playground areas, flower gardens, shelter house, a concession stand, volleyball and basketball courts, lighted ball diamond, batting cages and restrooms. A 110x110' ice rink is availabe in season.

Hickory Hill Lodging is located down a wooded lane off of Payne Road, the gateway to Carroll County in Northwestern Illinois. Just minutes from the Lake Carroll Golf Course and the fine dining and relaxation in Lake Carroll.

They facilitate retreats for individuals and small groups seeking renewed relationships with God and each other. Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while. The conference center is approximately 100 miles west of Chicago but a world away from the hustle and worries of your busy lives.